Games Like DRAINUS

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.1%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Action 8.1%, Shooter 6%, Indie 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern indie masterpiece that captures the same sense of progression and mechanical depth found in DRAINUS.

Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.4%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Shooter 6.2%, Action 4.2%, Indie 1%

Why You'll Like It: Like DRAINUS, this title features a core polarity-switching mechanic that turns enemy fire into a resource for the player.

Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.4%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Action 6.5%, Indie 4.7%, Female Protagonist 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: This title delivers fast-paced, high-quality bullet-hell action with a modern aesthetic that feels very similar to DRAINUS.

Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.6%, Bullet Hell 21.2%, Action 6.6%, Female Protagonist 5.6%, Shooter 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: As a definitive bullet-hell experience, it provides the intense dodging and pattern-learning challenges that fans of the genre crave.

Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Action 11.3%, Shooter 11%, 2D 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: This modern shooter features high-speed action and a focus on aggressive playstyles that align perfectly with the DRAINUS experience.

A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.8%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, Shooter 12.3%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Action 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: The game centers on a 'grazing' mechanic that rewards players for flying dangerously close to bullets, mirroring the risk-reward feel of DRAINUS.

Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.2%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Action 7.5%, Female Protagonist 6.2%, Shooter 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling bullet-hell that offers a distinct gothic aesthetic and tight, responsive controls.

The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.1%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Shooter 6.9%, Action 6.9%, 2D 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is a gold standard for the genre, offering deep scoring systems and intense action that matches the energy of DRAINUS.

Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47%, Shooter 17.3%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Action 7.9%, Bullet Hell 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet challenging shooter that captures the classic arcade spirit with modern visual clarity.

March 18th, 2061 - "Operation Downfall" Commences With its reliance on BAC, humanity had forgotten how to operate even basic transportation, let alone weapons. After the attacks from BAC and the subsequent social chaos, the human population was reduced by half.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56%, Shooter 23%, Action 5.7%, 2D 5.6%, Bullet Hell 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished modern side-scrolling shooter that emphasizes precise movement and strategic weapon management.

Select one of the Grim Reaper or girl. Find escaped yokai from limbo, extricate soul that they absorbed. You must reseal them after

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.4%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Shooter 10.5%, Action 10.4%, Female Protagonist 7%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique aesthetic and a soul-collecting mechanic that adds a layer of depth to the standard bullet-hell formula.

RefRain - prism memories - is an empowering, cyberpunk, bullet-hell shoot-’em-up that focuses on fast-paced, offensive gameplay. “Dive” into a hazardous digital world, cycle through 3 different attack modes, and delete the opposition with superior firepower.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.1%, Action 20.2%, Indie 13%, Bullet Hell 12.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game is packed with high-octane action and a deep customization system that feels very similar to the ship upgrades in DRAINUS.

You will see the creation of new lives... Capture enemies and fire them back at their allies as enormous beams of energy in this horizontally scrolling shooting game, featuring 5 versions of G-Darius with new features, enhancements, and Steam exclusive extras!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.3%, Shooter 19.9%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Side Scroller 8.1%, Action 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling shooter that offers deep mechanical systems and a grand sense of scale.

Japanese boutique game studio G.rev makes its long-awaited debut on Steam with Strania!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 71.7%, Action 19.1%, Bullet Hell 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title provides a classic side-scrolling feel with modern production values and intense combat sequences.

An alien menace has descended on Earth! Defend the world from UFO invasion in this superb arcade shooter from Qute. Use your weapons effectively, deflect enemy bullets with your shield, and recapture the Moon from alien infestation!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 70.5%, Action 18.2%, Bullet Hell 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: Known for its fast-paced gameplay and unique camera transitions, it offers a refreshing take on the traditional shooter.

A fast-paced low-poly 3D rail shooter heavily inspired by classics of the early 90's. Join protagonist Kyuu as she fights to free the worlds of the Sanzaru Star System, overrun by the intergalactic terrorist organization known as Zodiac.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.8%, Shooter 19.7%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Action 8.5%, Pixel Graphics 4%

Why You'll Like It: While on-rails, it captures the retro-arcade aesthetic and high-speed intensity that fans of DRAINUS will appreciate.

【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.9%, Bullet Hell 13.5%, Action 10%, Female Protagonist 8.6%, Shooter 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A solid indie bullet-hell that provides a challenging experience with a distinct anime-inspired aesthetic.

Super Alloy Ranger is a 2D side-scrolling action game. Play as Marksman Kelly or Combat Robot No.2 to challenge different levels within the dangerous Machine Empire and unlock new weapons. Use Kelly’s shooting and No.2’s deathblows to defeat abnormal Machine Bosses!

Why similar: Action 56.2%, Pixel Graphics 18.4%, Indie 15.9%, Singleplayer 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title blends side-scrolling action with platforming elements, offering a similar feel to the more action-oriented segments of DRAINUS.

Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.2%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Action 12.6%, Indie 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title excels at providing a modern, accessible bullet-hell experience with a fantastic soundtrack and fluid gameplay.

Sparks flare around the man all five sisters wish to claim. Introducing the new vertical scrolling shooter game!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.7%, Bullet Hell 30.3%, Action 16.9%, 2D 7.1%, Indie 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, high-energy shooter that focuses on character-specific abilities and intense screen-filling patterns.

Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.6%, Shooter 15.2%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Female Protagonist 9.5%, Side Scroller 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: The time-based mechanics and side-scrolling perspective provide a unique twist that complements the intensity of DRAINUS.

The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.1%, Action 17%, Indie 10%, 2D 4.5%, Pixel Graphics 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to classic side-scrolling shooters that maintains a high level of polish and challenge.

Pawarumi is a modern shoot’em up set in a retro futuristic sci-fi pre-Columbian universe. You’ll take control of the almighty ship Chukaru and its three unique weapons! Shoot wisely to either do double damage, heal yourself or charge your Super Attack!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.3%, Shooter 16.6%, Bullet Hell 12.2%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Action 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: The color-based rock-paper-scissors mechanic adds a strategic layer to the shooting that feels fresh and engaging.

Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.3%, Shooter 15.4%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Action 9.5%, Bullet Hell 9%

Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.9%, Action 19.5%, Indie 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, accessible shooter that allows for shifting between different weapon types on the fly.

For the very first time, highly acclaimed Japanese Arcade Shoot’em Ups - VASARA (2000) and VASARA 2 (2001) - are made available to the whole world via this package: VASARA COLLECTION!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.2%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Shooter 13.4%, Action 9%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: This collection offers fast-paced, melee-focused arcade action that provides a different but equally satisfying combat loop.

Railgunners is a shooter built to highly customizable difficulty levels. Fight your way through hundreds of enemy ships, and help humanity fight back against the alien invasion!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Shooter 11.6%, Bullet Hell 10.8%, Action 10.7%, Female Protagonist 9%

Stop time and project yourself through space with “Time-stop warp” magic, pass through physical obstacles, dodge incoming bullets and shoot down your enemies! A satisfying shooter, filled with dark humor!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.1%, Shooter 12.9%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Action 9.5%

Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.1%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Action 10.6%, Female Protagonist 7.8%, Shooter 5%

Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65%, Bullet Hell 11%, Action 7.4%, Shooter 7.4%, Indie 5%

Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.9%, Bullet Hell 12.5%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Action 9.3%, Shooter 8.8%

A high-tempo shooting game with simple controls! Upgrade your character with cards and defend the gates from your enemies.

Why similar: Shooter 27.7%, Female Protagonist 21.7%, Bullet Hell 16%, Side Scroller 8.5%, 2D 8.3%

C-RUSH is an old school Shooter, with HD graphics.A new threat is coming from the space; the plasma insects. Exterminate the vermin!!Beat your own score and compare it with the other players !Key Features:- One ship with different positions to use- Different Gameplay according to the positions and shoots- A Schmup where you need...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.5%, Shooter 12%, Action 12%, Indie 8.4%, Side Scroller 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, high-energy arcade shooter that focuses on pure reflex-based gameplay.

Classic Japanese style vertical manic shooting action! Shoot, dodge and explode your way through the second entry in the critically acclaimed Danmaku Unlimited series. Battle through nail-biting bullet patterns and compete for dominance on the global leaderboard!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.7%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Action 7.8%, Shooter 7%, Indie 5%

Jet Lancer is a high-velocity aerial combat shooter where you duel enemy aviators, hunt giant robots, and defy death at supersonic speeds as you evolve from an unknown rookie aviator into a once-in-a-generation ACE pilot.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.5%, Shooter 12.9%, Bullet Hell 10.9%, Action 10.7%, Female Protagonist 9.3%

PowerUp and BusterAttack! Despite the beauty of the Danmaku aggressive playing leads to victory in this Makaism Danmaku shooter. The Danmaku Garden awaits you. There's even a cat!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.4%, Shooter 16.1%, Bullet Hell 12%, Female Protagonist 11%, Action 6.9%

Help Reisen Udongein Inaba navigate through 14 action packed stages in this exhilarating 2D Bullet Hell Platformer based on Touhou Project!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.1%, Action 17.4%, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Female Protagonist 9.2%, Side Scroller 7%

Take control of one of three playable characters (Gunvolt, Ekoro, and Beck) as you blast your way past the baddies in stage after stage of side-scrolling action! Each stage ends with a boss encounter. Defeat the boss to complete the stage.

Why similar: Action 46.8%, Indie 24.6%, Side Scroller 15.5%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%

The sequel of the famous Shoot'em up from the Visco studio is back, 30 years after the first opus, released exclusively on Neo-Geo MVS and Neo-Geo AES in 1992 . It's time to bring out your good old battle ship in ANDRO DUNOS 2!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.8%, Shooter 14.3%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, Action 7.9%, 2D 2.9%

Diadra Empty is a free-roaming shoot-'em-up on a grand scale. Take the role of Nyalra and her faithful dragon Minimi in a fantastical quest to save her missing sister, and battle legions of monsters and menacing bosses.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.2%, Action 24.1%, Indie 14.9%, Bullet Hell 13.9%

This is a hot barrage shooting game. Destroy enemy planes with powerful firepower, shuttle and evade in the barrage. Various scenes with rich colors Planets, Fire Stars, Jupiter Stars, Water Stars, and huge battleships. It's time to drive a space fighter and show your strength! !

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Shooter 18.5%, Action 12.3%, Female Protagonist 5.5%

Last Command is a fast-paced Snake x Bullet Hell action game. Maneuver through enemies’ barrage of attacks, collect Data Points to deal damage! Mix and match skill chips as you progress, overcome intense Boss battles, and uncover the secrets of their program world...

Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.4%, Female Protagonist 25%, Action 16.6%, Indie 10%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%

Velocity®Ultra is an award-winning top down shooter that puts you in control of the galaxy’s only Quarp Jet, an advanced spacecraft with the ability to teleport at will. Tasked with rescuing survivors from a collapsed black hole, you’ll need to use both firepower and quick-wits to catapult the Quarp Jet through 50 levels of sci-fi action.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.9%, Action 23.7%, Indie 13.4%

Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.9%, Action 14.3%, Indie 8%, Bullet Hell 6.9%, Side Scroller 3.9%

DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 72.5%, Bullet Hell 8.1%, Action 7.4%, Shooter 5.2%, Side Scroller 5%

Shoot, slash and weave through bullets and enemies in this story-driven arcade shooter. The RADON Daughters have launched their ultimate weapon. Take control of the experimental gunship HALCYON and break out of the CAGE.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.7%, Shooter 17.8%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Female Protagonist 8.5%, Action 7.5%

Reign of Bullets is a shoot ‘em up with epic loot and lots of guns. Upgrade your ship and customize your weapons to build the ultimate fighter plane.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65.9%, Action 16.4%, Indie 10.4%, Side Scroller 7.3%

「Maybe one day, I won't have to fight when I fly.」

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.4%, Shooter 17.3%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Action 7.2%

A high-speed 3D rail shooter inspired by legendary arcade classics. Control the humanoid combat weapon ASURA and battle overwhelming waves of invaders using Energy Shot, Shining Knuckle, and the time-bending Lightning Over Drive.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.1%, Shooter 21.8%, Female Protagonist 14.3%, Action 7.5%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46%, Shooter 18.9%, Action 16.4%, Side Scroller 6.2%, 2D 4%

Super Glitter Rush is a boss-rush style bullet hell shoot-em-up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.6%, Shooter 16.1%, Bullet Hell 12.3%, Action 9.1%, 2D 4.2%

Nitro Express is a 2D side-view gun action game where cute pixel-art girls shoot assault weapons with 360° free aiming in the streets of Japan!

Why similar: Shooter 33.4%, Female Protagonist 21.6%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Action 11.9%, 2D 8.2%

Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.1%, Shooter 15.4%, Action 8.6%, Side Scroller 7.5%, 2D 4.5%

Experience the rush of battle with the fan acclaimed Bullet-Hell shooter "SUGURI". You're equipped with an automatic lock-on targeting system and a unique arsenal of hyper weapons, power shields, and more. Sure, she may look cute, but when it's time to fight, it's all business.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.7%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Action 10.2%, Shooter 9.5%

A fast-paced shooter with simple controls. Enhance your character by purchasing cards and hold the line against waves of hostile mechs as an employee of a private military company.

Why similar: Shooter 27.1%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Female Protagonist 18.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%, 2D 7.6%